An integrated review of the most recent trends in natural products, drug discovery, and key lead candidates that are outstanding for their chemistry and biology in novel drug development.

This book compiles the latest information in the field of antibacterial discovery, especially with regard to the looming threat of multi-drug resistance. The respective chapters highlight the discovery of new antibacterial and anti-infective compounds derived from microbes, plants, and other natural sources. The potential applications of nanotechnology to the fields of antibacterial discovery and drug delivery are also discussed, and one section of the book is dedicated to the use of computational tools and metagenomics in antibiotic drug discovery. Techniques for efficient drug delivery are also covered. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the progress made in both antibacterial discovery and delivery, making it a valuable resource for academic researchers, as well as those working in the pharmaceutical industry.

Current discoveries and research into bioactive natural products Medicinal Chemistry of Bioactive Natural Products provides a much-needed survey of bioactive natural products and their applications in medicinal chemistry. This comprehensive reference features articles by some of the world's leading scientists in the field on discovery, structure elucidation, and elegant synthetic strategies--developed for natural products--with an emphasis on the structure activity relationship of bioactive natural products. The topics have been carefully chosen on the basis of relevance to current research and to importance as clinicially useful agents. Rather than attempting to be a comprehensive encyclopedia of bioactive natural products, Medicinal Chemistry of Bioactive Natural Products guides the reader to the key developments in the field. By providing not only practical detail but a historical perspective on the chemistry and biology of the compounds under consideration, the book serves as a handy resource for researchers in their own work developing pharmaceuticals, and as an inspiring introduction for young scientists to the dynamic field of bioactive natural products research. Enhanced by examples with updated research results, the discussion covers such topics as: * The chemistry and biology of epothilones * Vancomycin and other glycopeptide antibiotic derivates * Antitumor and other related activities of Taxol and its analogs * The antimalarial properties of the traditional Chinese medicine, Quinghaosu (artemisinin) * Huperzine A: A natural drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease * The medicinal chemistry of ginkgolides from Ginkgo biloba * Recent progress in Calophyllum coumarins as potent anti-HIV agents * Plant-derived anti-HIV agents and analogs * Chemical synthesis of annonaceous acetogenins and their structurally modified mimics

This book aims to disseminate the most current research in applied microbiology presented at the III International Conference on Environmental, Industrial and Applied Microbiology (BioMicroWorld2009) held in Lisbon, Portugal, in December 2009.This volume offers an inviting exploration of microbiology from scientific and industrial research to consumer products in a compilation of more than 150 papers written by leading experts in the field, who afford critical insights into several topics, review current research and discuss future directions to stimulate further discussions. This book also serves as an update on the most important current microbial research, by providing a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge topics in a single volume, where readers can also gain insights into how microbiology can solve problems in everyday settings.Although largely intended for microbiologists interested in knowing the latest developments in agriculture, environmental, food, industrial, medical and pharmaceutical microbiology and microbial biotechnology, this book is also a great source of reference for scientists and researchers involved in advancements in applied microbiology.

Provides a review of novel pharmaceutical approaches for Tuberculosis drugs Presents a novel perspective on tuberculosis prevention and treatment Considers the nature of disease, immunological responses, vaccine and drug delivery, disposition and response Multidisciplinary appeal, with contributions from microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, chemical and mechanical engineering

Phytochemicals have been present in human diet and life since the birth of mankind, including the consuming of plant foods and the application of herbal treatments. This coevolutionary interaction of plants and people has resulted in humans' reliance on food and medicinal plants as sources of macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive phytochemicals. Phytochemicals can be used as adjuvant agents and sensitizers in traditional antibiotic and anticancer therapy, reducing the potential of selecting resistant microbial strains and cancer cells. Recent Frontiers of Phytochemicals addresses the many processes of potential phytochemical evaluation of known sources, with a focus on phytochemical and pharmacological evaluations, and computational research into the structures and pharmacological mechanisms of natural products and their applications in medicine, food and biotech. - Novel extraction, characterization, and application method for phytochemicals in food, pharmacology, and biotechnology - Colour illustrations and extensive tables with state-of-art information - Covers potential sources of phytochemicals, their extraction and characterization techniques

Forest Fungi: Biodiversity, Conservation, Mycoforestry and Biotechnology explores sustainable option aspects of forest fungal research, from the selection of hosting plants, isolation, identification, fermentation, identification of secondary metabolites, omics-tools for better understanding the plant–fungus Interactions. Forests are the world's greatest repository of terrestrial biomass, soil carbon and biodiversity. They provide a variety of provisioning, supporting, regulatory and cultural ecosystem services, which are crucial for the survival of human beings. Fungi play key roles in forest ecosystems as mutualists, saprobes and pathogens. - Focuses on the biodiversity of forest fungi and their potential biotechnological application for sustainable development - Includes high quality illustrations and figures for enhanced ease of understanding the process mechanism